Aford presidential aspirants threaten delegates ahead of convention

Some Alliance for Democracy (Aford) presidential hopefuls are reportedly threatening some delegates with unspecified action for pledging to vote certain candidates for the top position at the National Convention slated for September 6 – 7, 2013 in Mzuzu, Nyasa Times has learnt.

So far a trio comprising incumbent acting president Godfrey Shawa, Minister of Youth and Sports Enock Chakufwa Chihana and former Economic Planning and Development Minister and Secretary General Khwauli Msiska, has expressed interest to vie for the party’s top post.

Aford Publicity Secretary Dan Msowoya said in statement that the party had learnt with utmost disgust that delegates were being scare-mongered via telephone calls.

Msowoya refused to reveal the culprits but described the candidates issuing the threats as “people who still cherish the ancient ways and methods of doing things”

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However, Msowoya said the party recently warned some AFORD officials that may indulge in the manner that does not commensurate with the party’s constitution and general rules and regulations to resign from the party.

“I refer in particular…Hon. Enoch Chihana…and few others he seems to influence, who have nourished for some time now an animosity against some dedicated and committed officials who speak against their indiscrete and reckless behavior without parallel.

“It is only fair and judicious of us to warn Hon. Chihana and any other party official that… the party will not hesitate to apply drastic measures against anyone if this behavior is repeated,” Msowoya said in an August 14, 2013 statement.

He said convention is a crucial test for a peaceful and orderly transfer of power to a new set of leaders that bests the incumbents through transparent elections.

“We are making the past come alive and it is a proud moment. AFORD is not for sale, and shall not be for sale or for auction,” the publicist said.